weighing in on Traci

Since embarking on a lifestyle change in January, Traci Oliver has maintained laser-like focus, losing an average of 10 pounds each month. Lately, though, her focus has shifted to merely trying to survive the final weeks of school. For teachers such as Traci, this time of the year means preparing students for standardized testing, organizing end-of-the-year programs, and attending parent-teacher conferences.

Of course, this is not the only challenge she has faced. Traci was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, a thyroid disease that is often accompanied with weight gain.

As a result, Traci only lost five pounds in the past month. On the surface, that may seem disappointing; however, one must take into consideration that her evening walks and gym visits have decreased because of her demanding career. She also had to change her diet to offset the metabolic and hormonal changes associated with thyroid disease.

Without question, losing five pounds under these circumstances is not a disappointment, but rather a triumph. This begs the question: How did she achieve this?

Simple. She has faithfully stuck to the nutrition plan set forth by Lori Esarey, owner of Total Nutrition and Therapeutics. As a matter of fact, Traci has never once had a cheat meal since starting her journey. And she has completely avoided some of her trigger foods, such as chips and salsa, popcorn, and especially those darn cream horns.

“Being extremely busy can dictate how much you exercise, but one thing you can always control is what you eat,” she says. “That is true whether you are hospitalized or have family coming in from out of town. Although I have not been walking or getting to the gym as much, I haven’t had any setbacks because I always eat right.”

Traci, who now weighs 254 pounds, has inspired some of her fellow teachers to begin their own lifestyle change. Several weeks ago, one of Traci’s wellness partners at school forgot to bring an afternoon snack. Traci generously offered to share hers. “I laid out peppers, hummus, and low-sodium ham so we could fuel ourselves up.”

Her newfound dedication to nutrition brings a giant smile to Lori’s face. “As long as she continues eating right, then the scale is no longer a measure for success,” Lori says. “In the beginning she had fear and anxiety, but now she firmly believes she is going to reach all her goals.”

Breakfast: An AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake.

Lunch: A four-ounce chicken breast and two cups of Brussels sprouts.

Dinner: A six-ounce grilled New York strip steak, a cup of asparagus, and baked okra with olive oil and pepper.

Snacks: Three cups of raw cauliflower, one-eighth of a cup of walnuts, a cup of chopped raw celery, and a Xymogen vanilla shake (two scoops).

Total calories: 1,277

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That pain in your leg may be an indication of a deeper-rooted problem.

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